Summary in English
Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles by Thomas E. Phillips presents Acts as a theological narrative of the birth and mission of the early Church, guided by the Holy Spirit. The author explains that the book connects the Gospels to the Epistles and highlights the transition from a Jewish community to a universal Church.
The text emphasizes the narrative and theological nature of Acts, rather than modern historical accuracy. It explores the diversity of Greek manuscripts, especially the variants of the Western text. The exegetical chapters analyze major events from Jerusalem to Rome, focusing on mission, suffering, and the inclusion of Gentiles.
Key themes include communal sharing of goods, the work of the Holy Spirit, and contrasting portraits of Peter and Paul. The book also discusses how Acts has been received in the Church and its contemporary relevance.
It is designed to be accessible, created under the guidance of artificial intelligence, and aims to make biblical study more widely available around the world.
Listen to the audio below to get a sense of what this book is about and what you can expect when you read it.